Love, a force as powerful as nature itself, can leave us feeling on top of the world. But what happens when that love fades, leaving behind a trail of heartache and unanswered questions? In the realm of Korean dramas, this exploration of post-love emotions is a recurring theme, and “What Comes After Love” is no exception. Episode 4, a whirlwind of revelations and emotional turmoil, delves deeper into the complexities of love, loss, and the lingering echoes of a once-promising relationship.
TL;DR
- Love can leave a lasting impact: Even after a relationship ends, the emotions and memories can linger, shaping our future.
- Communication is key: Misunderstandings and unspoken feelings can lead to significant problems in a relationship.
- Growth and self-discovery: Breaking up can be a catalyst for personal growth and self-reflection.
- Holding onto hope: It’s okay to hold onto hope for a better future, even when things seem bleak.
Welcome back to another heart-wrenching episode of What Comes After Love after our review of episode 3. If you thought things couldn’t get more complicated between our star-crossed lovers, buckle up. This week, we get a hefty dose of clarity on both sides of the breakup, but also a lot more questions about where things are heading. You know that sinking feeling when you think you’re about to get answers, but instead, you get more riddles? Yeah, that’s this episode in a nutshell.
So, what’s new this week? Let’s dive in, and yes, I’ll be your friendly, somewhat sarcastic guide through this emotional rollercoaster.
A Not-So-Romantic Proposal (Or Was It?)
Last week left us on a cliffhanger with Kanna draped over Jungo, marriage proposal in the air like confetti at a wedding. Turns out, she was just a bit… tipsy. Okay, maybe more than tipsy, but that’s not the real kicker. They’re not even in a relationship! Surprise, surprise, folks. When we finally see the full scene, Kanna desperately clings to Jungo, pleading, “Please come back to me.” Ouch.
Now, here’s where the pain really sinks in. Jungo, like any emotionally unavailable guy, gently peels her off and apologizes. You can almost feel the weight of her heartbreak, and let’s be real, his too. He’s torn between guilt and confusion. She’s clearly in love, and he knows it. The question is: does he even know what he wants?
Cue the Inner Turmoil: Jungo’s Dilemma
Meanwhile, Jungo is left pondering the same question we’ve been asking all along: why did he run into Hong again? Is it fate pushing them back together, or is it the universe’s way of giving them closure? If you ask me, the universe loves playing these cruel jokes. We soon learn that Jungo doesn’t want closure; he’s holding onto hope. In fact, he wrote his entire novel in the hopes that Hong would read it and understand his side of the story. Ah, the classic “I’ll express my feelings through art” move.
But hey, let’s cut the guy some slack. We all know someone who communicates better through text than face-to-face (maybe that’s why we send memes instead of talking).
Hong’s Side of the Story: Loneliness, Over-Reliance, and Disappointment
Now, let’s not put all the blame on Jungo. This episode gives us a deeper look at Hong’s perspective. We already knew she struggled with loneliness while living abroad, depending heavily on Jungo for emotional support. But guess what? He wasn’t exactly boyfriend of the year either.
Take this one instance. Hong gets invited to a co-worker’s wedding. She’s ecstatic because, let’s face it, events are rare when you’re a foreigner in Tokyo. She wants Jungo to go with her, but he hesitates. Like any good girlfriend, she takes matters into her own hands—handling everything from wedding customs to gifts—and even agrees to perform a song at the wedding. Aww, so sweet, right? Well, hold that thought.
On the big day, Jungo lands a last-minute interview with a publishing house (yay for his career) and they offer him a job on the spot. The catch? He has to start immediately. So, while Hong strums her guitar and sings a love song, he’s missing in action. Worse, he doesn’t even text to let her know he’s not coming. Come on, dude, you had one job. He shows up when the party’s over. Yikes.
The Argument: The “I Couldn’t Help It” Excuse
Back home, things go about as well as you’d expect. Hong’s waiting, seething. Jungo explains his side, saying he’s always dreamed of working at this publishing company and that “he couldn’t help it.” Oh no, you didn’t just say that! If there’s a faster way to lose sympathy, it’s by uttering those exact words.
The argument spirals, with Jungo claiming he never promised to go, only that he’d try. Hong, rightfully, snaps back, saying he should’ve just said no if this was how he planned to act. And in a moment that hits us all, she leaves the apartment, whispering to herself that everlasting love is a myth.
Jungo’s Unfinished Business: Searching for Closure (Or Not?)
Fast forward to the present. Jungo, in true stalker fashion, cancels his plans and guesses where Hong will be on her daily jog. He finds her, but does she stop to talk? Nope. She runs right past him, leaving both of them emotionally wrecked. But it does beg the question: why didn’t Jungo try to find her sooner? He sent her belongings to Korea, so he’s known where she was all along. Was he waiting to become famous? Did he need to “grow up” first?
Jungo, my man, you’re making it really hard for us to root for you.
Hong’s Realization: It Wasn’t About Forgetting Him
Here’s where things get a little deep. When Hong received her stuff from Japan, it was a bitter pill to swallow. It wasn’t just the end of their relationship; it was the end of a version of herself. “It took me a long time to realize I wasn’t trying to forget Jungo, but the me who loved him,” she says. Oof, that one stings. And so, she shoves everything into a closet for five years—until her sister stumbles upon an unread letter inside her guitar case.
The Big Reveal: What’s in the Letter?
The episode ends with Hong on the verge of opening the letter. But before we get there, we’re treated to more flashbacks of happier times. Jungo, predictably, struggles to express his feelings. He believes that if your love is sincere, the other person will feel it eventually. Um, sure, but saying “I love you” every once in a while wouldn’t hurt, dude.
Hong reflects on their past, noting that they only ever talked about their bright future, never addressing the real problems. “We were blind to the harsh realities of the world when we were at the peak of happiness,” she narrates. Isn’t that always the case?
Jungo’s Novel: More Than Just a Story
Jungo’s book, titled What Comes After Love, is out, and someone at his signing event remarks that they’ve been through a similar experience. Love, as they say, isn’t enough to overcome borders and cultural differences. Jungo’s response? He didn’t write the book to send a message. He wrote it because of all the memories and regrets about a particular person (gee, wonder who that could be). And yes, he hopes she reads it and realizes he was young and clueless when they were together.
Hong is at the book signing, but she leaves without talking to him. But Min-jun, the wildcard, steps in and asks Jungo if he knows Hong. Cue the tension between our two male leads.
My Two Cents: The Future Looks… Complicated
So, what’s my take on this emotional mess? Well, it’s complicated. Both Hong and Jungo have grown as individuals, but there’s so much pain and unresolved tension between them. Can they rekindle what they once had? Maybe. But they’ll also never fully move on from each other. It’s that lingering “what if” that will continue to haunt them—whether they end up together or not.
“I swear, watching Jungo and Hong is like watching two people who have all the puzzle pieces but can’t figure out the picture. Jungo keeps thinking silence will explain everything, and Hong seems stuck on her heartbreak from years ago. It’s maddening, but also so relatable. Sometimes love just isn’t enough, and this episode hit hard on that truth. Maybe what comes after love is just…more confusion and what-ifs.”- Maya Stevens, 29, Chicago
Two more episodes to go, and it looks like we’re in for some big reveals. Will the letter change everything? Will Min-jun make his move? Stay tuned. And grab some tissues.
